Installing a new roof is an opportunity to change the look of your home. At Urban Siding, we work with a variety of materials to give you the roof you want. Clay tiles make a great addition to any home and can suit a wide array of architectural styles. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits and disadvantages of clay tiles.

The Pros:

Clay tiles are long-lasting. Unlike asphalt or cedar shingles, clay tiles won’t break down, weakening the integrity of your roofing system.
Insects and pests won’t damage clay tile, making it a perfect choice in areas full of wildlife that seek refuge in attics.
Tile requires very little maintenance because it does not break down due to regular weather conditions.
Tile roofs are fireproof. If you live in an area prone to wildfires and dangerous embers, tile may protect your home from fire damage.

The Cons:

Clay tiles are heavy. Some roof frames may not be able to support the weight of the tile. If this is the case, you’ll need to reinforce the framework, adding to the cost of replacing your roof.
Tiles are more fragile than asphalt shingles, making them more prone to hail and storm damage. Additionally, clay tiles need to be serviced by roofing contractors experienced in working with them. Contractors who are unfamiliar with how to walk on the tiles may crack them and damage your roof.
Clay tiles are one of the more expensive roofing options. However, they’re designed to last, so if you’re planning on staying in your home for many years to come, they may still be a worthwhile investment.

If you’re interested in installing a clay tile roof in your Calgary home, contact Urban Siding today. Our experts will install the roof you need while staying within your budget. If you’ve already received a quote from another roofing company in Calgary, give us a call. We’ll beat their quote by 5 percent!

At Urban Siding, we pride ourselves on our expertise and customer satisfaction. This is because we treat every roof as if it were the one covering our own home. When you have your roof repaired or a new roof installed by our roofing contractors, you’ll receive the highest quality installation possible. However, not all roofing companies have the same standards, resulting in inferior work or poor installation techniques that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Do you know the signs of a poorly installed roof?

Uneven Look

Your roof should look the same from every part of your home. The asphalt shingles should be laid flat and close together to keep water from reaching your attic. Further, the shingles should all be the same size and color to give you the best appearance and protection. If you notice that the shingles on your roof look like a patchwork quilt or are not uniform in size across the structure, this may indicate that only a portion of the roof was replaced and could mean problems for your roof later on.

Wood Rot in the Attic

If a roof is installed without the proper ventilation, moisture can become trapped under the roof’s underlayment and inside your attic. Over time, the warm, damp air can lead to mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and warping of your shingles. While shingles are easy to replace, your support structure in your attic is not. Rotten wood can’t support the weight of the roof and can warp and sag over time, resulting in the need for a full roof replacement.

Leaking

Roofs are designed to prevent leaks in your home. A properly installed roof will keep excess moisture and damaging weather from getting into your home. Roofs that have defects or mismatched shingles have vulnerable points where water can seep in. Over time, and especially during the spring when snow and ice are melting, water can leak through the underlayment and into your walls. You’ll want to get the leaks fixed immediately in order to keep the problems from getting worse.

Missing Shingles

Properly installed shingles can withstand severe weather relatively well; however, improperly secured or damaged shingles can fall victim to severe winds and rain. If you notice that you have large patches of shingles missing from your roof after a severe storm, there’s a good chance that your roof was installed poorly. Each manufacturer recommends specific securing methods for their shingles, and if your contractor did not follow them, the shingles may fall off easily. Missing shingles do need to be replaced immediately as they protect your roof from rain and moisture. Leaving bare patches only increases your home’s risk of leaks.

Missing Roof Flashing

If the shingles run right up to your chimney and stop at the base, there’s a chance that your roof flashing was installed incorrectly. Roof flashing protects the vulnerable areas where shingles come into contact with chimneys, air vents, and skylights from damaging moisture. When properly installed, the flashing directs water away from the seams between materials and sends it down the shingles towards the rain gutters. Missing roof flashing could indicate that you have existing damage to your roof. Call an expert to have your roof inspected for water damage as soon as you notice this problem.

Whether you’re concerned about an old roof or believe that your last roof replacement was not as well done as you’d like, Urban Siding is here to help. We’ll help get your roof back into ideal condition. Contact us today to schedule your on-site estimate in Airdrie.

When your roof is damaged by hail or wind, the repair process can seem daunting. The first thing you’ll want to do is file an insurance claim with your homeowners insurance company. Since most homeowners won’t have to do this often, filing a claim can seem like a difficult and confusing task. At Urban Siding, we have plenty of experience working with insurance companies to address your insurance claims. Here, we’ll take a look at a few tips to help get you through the process.

Review Your Policy

Before filing a claim, you’ll want to review your homeowners policy so you’ll fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, some policies will restrict the amount of funding on roof replacements for older roofs. Some companies factor in the depreciation of the roof after a certain number of years and will only give you the money for that estimated value. Other policies will cover repairs completely. Review your policy so you know what to expect.

Take Pictures

In order to help document your insurance claim, take pictures of the damage. It can be helpful to take pictures immediately after repair work is done, so you’ll have a set of before and after images for your insurance company, should your roof be damaged again.

Work with An Experienced Roofing Company

Urban Siding has worked with insurance companies in the Calgary and Airdrie area for more than five years and has the necessary experience to get you through the estimate and claims adjustment process. We offer competitive estimates and will work with your insurance company to ensure that all repairs meet the requirements they deem necessary.

Urban Siding is your trusted roofing company in Airdrie and Calgary. We stand by our repairs and guarantee that our work meets the Alberta Building Code. Let our experienced contractors help you through the insurance claims process and restore your roof.

Damaged shingles can spell disaster for your roof. Leaks, pests, and damage to the insulation of your attic can all result from damaged shingles. Hail, wind, and extreme weather all place your asphalt shingles at risk. One of the most easily identifiable signs of damage is curling.

What is Curling?

Yes, curling is a fantastic sport, but it’s also an early warning sign of roof damage. When asphalt shingles are damaged, their edges curl up or under the shingle, giving the appearance that the material is bent. When left untreated, these shingles pose a hazard to your roof’s integrity, increasing the risk of leaks and wind damage.

What Causes Curling?

There are many causes of curling shingles.

Exposure to continuous dry and wet cycles causes moisture to accumulate on the underside of the shingle as it never evaporates completely. This can cause the edges of the shingle to curl up.
During snowy periods, the shingles may curl due to the low temperature. When snow sits on the roof, the temperature of the shingles lowers to the point that the surface material contracts and bends while the underside struggles to remain flat.
Poor installation can lead to curling. If the shingle was not nailed down properly, the shingle may move over time, placing strain on the material.
Poor roof ventilation causes a buildup of moisture in the attic. As the moisture condenses, it can accumulate on the underlayment and the shingles, resulting in a curled shingle.
Improperly installed adhesive keeps the shingle from laying flat against the roof. Over time, exposure to weather and changing conditions will cause the shingle to expand and contract.

The best way to prevent curling is routine maintenance. Having a licensed roofer, like the experts at Urban Siding, inspect your roof twice a year will go a long way in reducing your risk of leaks.

Choosing the right type of shingle for your home is an important step in replacing your old or damaged roof. While there are many materials available, each has its own distinct benefits and downsides. Today, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of wood shingles.

The Pros

Wood shingles provide a natural roof style with a distinct character unlike more common asphalt shingles. Over time, the color will fade from the light cedar brown to a silver gray, giving your home a classic look.
These shingles are available in a variety of sizes to work with your roof and design.
Wood shingles are incredibly light and will not require additional structural improvements to support the weight of the roof. Materials like clay tiles and slate often require reinforcement of the roof structure due to the increased weight of materials.
When properly treated, wood shingles are less likely to sustain damage from storms and may last longer than asphalt shingles.

The Cons

Wood shingles are more expensive than metal and asphalt shingles due to the cost of material and difficulty of installation. While many people are able to install asphalt shingles, it takes more experience to properly install wood shingles on a roof.
They require more frequent maintenance than other roofing materials due to the porous nature of the wood. Over time, mold and lichen will build up on the shingles and must be cleaned to prevent damage.
Wood shingles are less likely to resist pests. Just like wood siding, shingles are vulnerable to termite damage and may need to be replaced if the damage is extensive.

When you’re ready to upgrade your roof’s appearance, talk to the experts at Urban Siding.

Now that winter has passed, many people in the Calgary area are looking to replace their old or damaged roof. Replacing your roof is not a simple undertaking. Your old roof has to be removed and new material laid down. However, before you get the replacement, you’ll have to pick out the right material for your new roof. While your contractor will be able to offer suggestions based on your budget, having an idea of what you’re looking for can help expedite the process. Here are a few things to consider before you schedule your estimate.

Appearance

Your roof’s appearance will largely depend on the type of shingle you select. Wood shingles give a more rustic look while metal sheeting provides a contemporary and durable style. If you want a more standard look, consider using asphalt shingles. These shingles are available in a wide range of colors sure to tie in with your home’s look.

Material

Roofing materials are all designed to protect your home, but some offer distinct benefits over others. Metal roofs offer fire and wind resistance, but can be damaged by hail. Wood shingles require frequent maintenance, but are great for windy areas. If you’re unsure of what you need, ask your Urban Siding roofer for advice.

Budget

Your budget will often be a determining factor in the type of material you choose for your roof. While wood shingles give your home a natural look, they’re more expensive than asphalt options. Fortunately, many asphalt shingles can mimic the aesthetics of more expensive material, making it easier to achieve the look you want without going over budget.